Cancer, perimenopause and menopause – living through one life change can be challenging enough, but two can flip your world upside down. This was the reality of Sonya Lovell, who at 47 was diagnosed with breast cancer and pushed into medically-induced menopause.

In this powerful episode, Sonya will share her experiences, advice and story– one which those experiencing a chronic health or a mental health condition, alongside perimenopause and menopause may feel a strong connection to.

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Sonya Lovell - https://www.sonyalovell.com/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Sonya’s recommendations

• Healthy Hormones - https://www.healthyhormones.au/welcome
• Questions You’re Allowed to Ask: A conversation companion for menopause after cancer for medical appointments, relationships, work, and family - https://www.sonyalovell.com/download

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Major life changes and work don’t always go hand-in-hand, but the experience doesn’t have to be difficult one.

In this episode, Thea O’Connor - expert on all thing's perimenopause, menopause and work - will help us navigate the challenges many of us face. We will cover common barriers and stigma, advocating for a more inclusive workplace environment and more!

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Thea O’Connor - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Thea’s recommendations

• Menopause Information Pack for Organizations - Menopause at Work - https://www.menopauseatwork.org/
• Thea’s TEDx talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abxcO2ur_m4
• Menopause at Work – The Orca Effect program - https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/education/the-orca-effect/
• More recommendations and resources - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qnk2sir8nrzalsvw94ilf/Helpful-Menopause-Resources.pdf?rlkey=j05k0v2e45sqt5ziv8ba1shsl&e=1&dl=0

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

As we’ve discussed, there’s a range of treatment options available when navigating perimenopause and menopause but sometimes lifestyle changes can be just as effective as medical options to help you get a handle on it all.

In this episode, holistic General Practitioner (GP) Dr Michelle Woolhouse dives into the lifestyle factors that can influence perimenopause and menopause. From the best foods to add to your diet to how movement and sleep can affect symptoms, she provides practical insights into how different ways of living can transform your menopausal journey and your long-term health, such as heart health.

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Dr Michelle Woolhouse - https://www.drmichellewoolhouse.com/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Michelle’s recommendations

• Sleep with Confidence Psychology Services - https://sleepwithconfidence.com.au/
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) Provider Directory - https://sleepcentral.org.au/Central/Central/Contents/CBTi-directory.aspx
• Resources for metabolic health - https://www.vively.com.au/
• Hypnotherapy for Hot Flashes – https://www.nervahealth.com/post/hypnotherapy-for-hot-flashes-the-mind-body-connection

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf